U.S. patent number 7,479,064 [Application Number 10/937,411] was granted by the patent office on 2009-01-20 for operating apparatus for game machine.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Namco Limited, Nintendo Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hiroshi Igarashi, Kuniaki Ito, Takeshi Nagareda, Hideo Nagata, Akio Onda, Junji Takamoto, Noboru Wakitani.
United States Patent |
7,479,064 |
Wakitani , et al. |
January 20, 2009 |
Operating apparatus for game machine
Abstract
An operating apparatus for game machine includes a depressing
member, and a main body of the depressing member is provided with
three engaging protrusions and two depressing protrusions that
downwardly protrude. For example, the two depressing protrusions
are provided between the three engaging protrusions. In response to
a beating operation by a player, the right side of the depressing
member is depressed, and then, an engaging portion of the engaging
protrusion at the left side is engaged with a rear surface of an
upper surface panel. Accordingly, the depressing member is sure to
be depressed at the right side without being upwardly actuated, and
a rubber switch depressed by the depressing protrusion is brought
into contact with a board. At this time, a contact provided on the
board and a contact provided on the rubber switch are brought into
contact with each other, and an operation signal according to the
beating operation is output to the game machine.
Inventors: |
Wakitani; Noboru (Kyoto,
JP), Takamoto; Junji (Kyoto, JP), Nagareda;
Takeshi (Kyoto, JP), Ito; Kuniaki (Kyoto,
JP), Nagata; Hideo (Kyoto, JP), Igarashi;
Hiroshi (Tokyo, JP), Onda; Akio (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Kyoto-shi,
JP)
Namco Limited (Ota-ku, JP)
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Family
ID: |
34269939 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/937,411 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2004 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20050056997 A1 |
Mar 17, 2005 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Sep 12, 2003 [JP] |
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2003-320801 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F
13/06 (20130101); A63F 13/245 (20140902); A63F
9/24 (20130101); A63F 13/814 (20140902); A63F
2300/1062 (20130101); A63F 2300/8047 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63F
9/24 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;248/68 ;463/7,40,36
;345/157 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2393316 |
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Mar 2004 |
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GB |
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04-225413 |
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Aug 1992 |
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JP |
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11-232028 |
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Aug 1999 |
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JP |
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2000-157736 |
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Jun 2000 |
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JP |
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2000-172377 |
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Jun 2000 |
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JP |
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2000-176176 |
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Jun 2000 |
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JP |
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2001-067070 |
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Mar 2001 |
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JP |
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2001-069427 |
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Mar 2001 |
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JP |
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2001-170352 |
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Jun 2001 |
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JP |
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3080103 |
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Jun 2001 |
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JP |
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2001-276421 |
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Oct 2001 |
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JP |
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2001-325055 |
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Nov 2001 |
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JP |
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2002-011243 |
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Jan 2002 |
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JP |
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2002-123353 |
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Apr 2002 |
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JP |
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2002-202853 |
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Jul 2002 |
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JP |
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2002-239233 |
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Aug 2002 |
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JP |
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2002-248261 |
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Sep 2002 |
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JP |
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WO 98/02223 |
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Jan 1998 |
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WO |
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99/19036 |
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Apr 1999 |
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WO |
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Other References
Office Action dated Jun. 10, 2008 issued in corresponding JP
Application No. 2003-320801 w/partial English-language translation.
cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Hotaing, II; John M
Assistant Examiner: Wong; Jeffrey
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An operating apparatus for a game machine to be used by being
connected to a game machine, comprising: a housing provided with a
plurality of holes on its surface; an operation input portion that
is provided on an upper surface of said housing and is elastically
changed in response to a percussion operation by an operator; a
depressing member that is placed between said housing and said
operation input portion, provided with a plurality of engaging
protrusions that engage an inside wall of said housing through said
holes of said housing at both ends thereof in such a manner as to
protrude downwardly, and provided with a plurality of depressing
protrusions in such a manner as to protrude downwardly between said
plurality of engaging protrusions; a board housed within said
housing; at least more than one elastic member that is housed
within said housing such that its surface is exposed through said
hole of said housing, arranged at a position opposed to said
depressing protrusion, and has a rear surface thereof being opposed
to said board; a first contact that formed on the rear surface of
said elastic member; a second contact formed in a manner so as to
be opposed to said first contact on said board, wherein said
depressing member is depressed in response to a percussion
operation by said operator, said elastic member is depressed by
said depressing protrusion, said first contact is brought into
contact with said second contact, and whereby, an operation signal
is output.
2. An operating apparatus for a game machine according to claim 1,
further comprising: a cable that is connected to the inside of said
housing at one end and has a connector to be connected to said game
machine at the other end; a first housing concave portion formed on
the other main surface of said housing which houses said cable and
said connector, wherein said first housing concave portion is
provided with a plurality of pinch protrusions for pinching both
sides of said cable at a position where said cable is housed.
3. An operating apparatus for a game machine according to claim 2,
wherein said plurality of pinch protrusions are formed in such a
manner as to be shifted from each other on both side surfaces of
said first housing concave portion.
4. An operating apparatus for a game machine according to claim 2,
wherein, said operation input portion has a first operation input
portion and a second operation input portion, said housing includes
a first housing provided with said first operation input portion, a
second housing provided with said second operation input portion
and having approximately the same size as said first housing, and a
third housing to be coupled with said first housing and said second
housing and being smaller than said first housing and said second
housing, wherein said first housing concave portion is formed on at
least one of said first housing and said second housing, said
second housing concave portion is formed due to a difference
between a size of said first housing and said second housing and a
size of said third housing, said cable extends from said third
housing, said cable is wrapped around said third housing so as to
be housed within said second housing concave portion, and said
connector and a part of said cable are fitted into said first
concave portion, and whereby, said cable and said connector are
housed and held.
5. An operating apparatus for a game machine according to claim 4,
wherein said first operation input portion and said second
operation input portion are respectively provided on the upper
surfaces of said first housing and said second housing, and said
first housing concave portion is formed on the bottom surface of at
least one of said first housing and said second housing.
6. An operating apparatus for a game machine according to claim 4,
further comprising: a first connector formed on said third housing;
and a second connector detachably connected to said first connector
and formed on said second housing, wherein when said first
connector and said second connector are directly connected with
each other, said first housing and said second housing can be used
as one operating apparatus for a game machine, and when said first
connector and said second connector are indirectly connected, said
first housing and said second housing can be used separately as two
operating apparatuses for a game machine.
7. An operating apparatus for a game machine according to claim 6,
wherein said first housing and said second housing are used
separately as two operating apparatuses for a game machine, a
connecting cable for connecting to said first connector is
detachably connected to said second connector.
8. An operating apparatus for a game machine according to claim 4,
further comprising: a sound input portion provided on an upper
surface of said third housing for inputting a sound to be generated
by said operator, wherein an operation signal according to a sound
input by said sound input portion is output.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to operating apparatus for game
machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
operating apparatus for a game machine that outputs an operation
signal to a game machine in response to a beating (i.e.,
percussion) operation by an operator.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An example of this kind of a conventional operating apparatus for a
game machine is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-open No.
2001-276421 [A63F 13/00, A63F 13/06, G10H 1/34, H01H 13/18]
laid-open on Oct. 9, 2001. The input device for a game machine is
provided with a plurality of input areas each of which has a
pressure sensor and a vibration sensor. Then, when the input area
is beaten, a different sound for each input area is generated.
Another example of this kind of an operating apparatus for a game
machine is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-open No. 2000-157736
[A63F 13/00, G06F 1/16, G06F 3/02, G06K 17/00, G06K 19/00]
laid-open on Jun. 13, 2000. In the PC-card-shaped input device for
a game, a concave portion is provided at side walls of a housing
having a PC card standardized size, and a signal cable is wrapped
around the concave portion. Thus, it is possible to house the
PC-card-shaped input device in a card slot of a notebook computer,
and this allows the input device to be easily portable together
with the notebook personal computer.
The other example of this kind of an operating apparatus for a game
machine is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-open No. 2000-172377
[G06F 1/18, G06F 1/16, G06F 15/02] laid-open on Jun. 23, 2000. The
electronic equipment is provided with a cable that is fixed to the
equipment at one end and has a connector to be connected at the
other end, and a housing portion capable of housing the cable and
the connector. A cable housing part of the housing portion has a
housing groove with a width that is able to house the cable snaking
at a bending radius more than a permissible bending radius of a
cable. Thus, the cable is held by a restoring force of the cable
housed in the snaking groove in a normal state.
However, in the above-described input device for a game machine,
the pressure sensor and the vibration sensor are provided to each
of the plurality of input areas, and therefore, the device itself
is expensive. In such an input device, it may be possible that a
membrane switch is applied. However, a problem occurs when a
membrane switch is applied. A relatively high load needs to be
applied per unit area, causing a difficulty in operation when
playing the game.
In the above-described PC-card-shaped input device for game, a
problem still remains. If the PC card is also carried together with
the notebook computer in addition to the PC-card-shaped input
device for game, the PC-card-shaped input device for game cannot be
housed within the card slot, and cannot be put in a computer bag
because it is bulky. In such a case, further problems occur because
the PC-card-shaped input device has to be carried separately,
therefore, the cable can become disengage due to the weight of the
connector, making transportation difficult.
In the above-described electronic equipment, due to the space
required for forming the snaking groove, the housing increases in
size, causing a problem. Another problem is that if the bending
radius of the snaking groove is set to an optimum value, the cable
is easily disengaged, or the cable is easily broken due to an
excessive load (stress), causing difficulties with the equipment's
practicality.
Therefore, it is a primary feature of the illustrative embodiments
to provide a novel operating apparatus for a game machine.
Another feature of the illustrative embodiments is to provide an
input apparatus for a game machine capable of input from a small
load and costing less.
Another feature of the illustrative embodiments is to provide an
operating apparatus for a game machine capable of assuredly housing
a cable and a connector with a simple structure and reducing the
size of the input apparatus itself.
An operating apparatus for a game machine according to an
illustrative embodiment is used by being connected to a game
machine. The operating apparatus for a game machine, comprising: a
housing provided with a plurality of holes on its surface; an
operation input portion that is provided on an upper surface of the
housing and is elastically changed in response to a beating
operation by an operator; a depressing member that is placed
between the housing and the operation input portion, on which a
plurality of engaging protrusions that engage an inside wall of the
housing through the holes of the housing are provided at both ends
thereof in such a manner as to be downwardly protruded, and on
which a plurality of depressing protrusions are provided in such a
manner as to protrude downward between the plurality of engaging
protrusions; a board housed within the housing; at least more than
one elastic member that is housed within the housing such that its
surface is exposed through the hole of the housing, arranged at a
position opposed to the depressing protrusion, and has a rear
surface that is opposed to the board; a first contact formed on the
rear surface of the elastic member; a second contact formed in a
manner so as to oppose the first contact on the board, wherein the
depressing member is depressed in response to a beating operation
by the operator, the elastic member is depressed by the depressing
protrusion, the first contact is brought into contact with the
second contact, whereby an operation signal is output.
More specifically, the operating apparatus for a game machine (10:
a reference numeral corresponding in the "preferred embodiment"
described later) is connected to the game machine, and used for
selecting a game or operating the game. The housings (14, 16) of
the operating apparatus for a game machine (10) each have the
plurality of holes (30a, 30b, 120b). The operation input portions
(20, 22) respectively provided on the upper surfaces of the
housings (14, 16) are elastically changed according to a beating
operation by the operator. The depressing members (32, 34) are
provided between each of the housings (14, 16) and each of the
operation input portions (20, 22). The depressing members (32, 34)
are provided with the plurality of engaging protrusions (32b, 34b)
that engage the inside wall (rear surface of an upper surface panel
120a in this embodiment) of each of the housings (14, 16) through
the holes (30a, 120b) of the housing at both ends thereof such that
they are downwardly protruded. Furthermore, the depressing members
(32, 34) are provided with the plurality of depressing protrusions
(32c, 34c) in such a manner as to be downwardly protruded between
the plurality of engaging protrusions (32b, 34b). The housings (14,
16) each house the boards (24, 26). At least more than one elastic
member (28) that is housed within each of the housings (14, 16)
such that its surface is exposed through the hole (30b) of each of
the housings (14, 16) at a position opposed to the depressing
protrusions (32c, 34c) is provided to be opposed to the board (24,
26). That is, the depressing members (32, 34) are supported by the
elastic members (28). The first contacts (28a) are provided on the
rear surface of the elastic members (28), and the second contacts
(24a and 26a) are provided on the boards (24, 26) respectively in
such a manner as to be opposed to the first contacts (28a). For
example, when the depressing members (32, 34) are depressed in
response to the beating operation by the operator (such as a player
or a user), the engaging protrusions (32b, 34b), except for the
depressed part and its surrounding, engages the inside surface of
the housing (14, 16). Accordingly, the depressing members (32, 34)
are depressed without being upwardly actuated, the elastic member
(28) is depressed by the depressing protrusions (32c, 34c), and the
first contacts (28a) and the second contacts (24a and 24b) are
brought into contact with each other. This allows an operation
signal to be output to the game machine.
According to an illustrative embodiment, it is possible to prevent
the depressing members from being upwardly actuated by the engaging
protrusions, and therefore, even if the operator beats any place of
the operation input portion, the depressing protrusions assuredly
depresses the elastic member, capable of outputting the same
operation signal. Therefore, it is possible to improve operational
abilities. Furthermore, the depressing members are supported by
only the elastic members, which makes it possible to operate with a
relatively low load.
In one aspect of an illustrative embodiment, an operating apparatus
for a game machine, further comprising: a cable that is connected
to the inside of the housing at one end and has a connector to be
connected to the game machine at other end; a first housing concave
portion formed on the other main surface of the housing and houses
the cable and the connector, wherein the first housing concave
portion is provided with a plurality of pinch protrusions for
pinching both sides of the cable at a position where the cable is
housed. More specifically, the operating apparatus for game machine
(10) is connected to the game machine (100) by the cable (38). The
cable (38) is connected to the inside of the housing (14 or 16; the
third housing 18 in this embodiment) at the one end and has a
connector (36) to be connected to the game machine (100) at the
other end. On the other main surface (124) of each of the housings
(14, 16), the first housing concave portion (124a) for housing the
cable (38) and the connector (36) is provided. The first housing
concave portion (124a) is provided with the plurality of pinch
protrusions (124b) for pinching the both sides of the cable (38) at
the position where the cable (38) is housed. Thus, the first
housing concave portion is provided with the pinch protrusions for
pinching both sides of the cable so that it is possible to prevent
the cable from being disengaged and capable of housing and holding
the cable and the connector with a simple structure. Furthermore,
it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus itself when it
is stored.
In one illustrative embodiment, the plurality of pinch protrusions
are formed in such a manner as to be shifted from each other on
both side surfaces of the first housing concave portion. More
specifically, the plurality of pinch protrusions (124b) are formed
in such a manner as to be shifted from each other on both side
surfaces of the first housing concave portion (124a). Accordingly,
the cable (38) is held as if it snakes by the plurality of pinch
protrusions (124b). Thus, by the restoring force of the cable to
the normal state, the cable and the connector are sure to be held.
This allows the operating apparatus for a game machine to be easily
portable.
In another illustrative embodiment, an operating apparatus for a
game machine, wherein, the operation input portion has a first
operation input portion and a second operation input portion, the
housing includes a first housing provided with the first operation
input portion, and a second housing provided with the second
operation input portion and having approximately the same size as
the first housing, and a third housing to be coupled with the first
housing and the second housing and being smaller than the first
housing and the second housing, wherein the first housing concave
portion is formed on at least one of the first housing and the
second housing, the second housing concave portion is formed due to
a difference between a size of the first housing and the second
housing and a size of the third housing, the cable extends from the
third housing, the cable is wrapped around the third housing so as
to be housed within the second housing concave portion, the
connector and a part of the cable are fitted into the first concave
portion, and whereby, the cable and the connector are housed and
held. More specifically, the operation input portion (20, 22)
includes the first operation input portion (20) and the second
operation input portion (22). The housing (14, 16, 18) consists of
the first housing (14), the second housing (16), and the third
housing (18). The first housing (14) is provided with the first
operation input portion (20). The second housing (16) has
approximately the same size (shape) as the first housing (14), and
the second housing (16) is provided with the second operation input
portion (22). The third housing (18) couples the first housing (14)
and the second housing (16), and is smaller than them. The
difference in size provides the second concave portion, that is, a
narrow part (128) to the operating apparatus for a game machine
(10), and the cable (38) extends from the third housing (18).
Accordingly, the cable (38) is wrapped around the third housing
(18) so as to be housed within the second housing concave portion
(128), and then, the connector (36) and a part of the cable (38)
are fitted into the first housing concave portion (124a), and
whereby, the cable (38) and the connector (36) are housed and held.
Thus, the cable is wrapped around the second housing concave
portion, and part of the cable and the connector are fitted into
the first housing concave portion. Therefore, this makes it
possible to prevent the cable and the connector from being
disengaged from the housing, so the cable and connector are capable
of being effectively housed.
In another illustrative embodiment, an operating apparatus for the
game machine, wherein the first operation input portion and the
second operation input portion are respectively provided on upper
surfaces of the first housing and the second housing, and the first
housing concave portion is formed on the bottom surface of at least
one of the first housing and the second housing. More specifically,
the first operation input portion (20) is provided on the upper
surface of the first housing (14), and the second operation input
portion (22) is provided on the upper surface of the second housing
(16). On the other hand, the first housing concave portion (124a)
is provided on the bottom surface (124) of the first housing (14)
or the bottom surface (124) of the second housing (16) or the both
thereof. That is, the first housing concave portion is provided on
the bottom surface of the housing, capable of preventing the
concave portion from being conspicuous when using the operating
apparatus for a game machine.
In another illustrative embodiment, an operating apparatus for a
game machine, further comprising: a first connecting means formed
on the third housing; and a second connecting means detachably
connected to the first connecting means and formed on the second
housing, wherein when the first connecting means and the second
connecting means are directly connected with each other, the first
housing and the second housing can be utilized as one operating
apparatus for a game machine, and when the first connecting means
and the second connecting means are indirectly connected, the first
housing and the second housing are separately used as two operating
apparatuses for game machine. More specifically, the first
connecting means (18a) is formed on the third housing (18), and the
second connecting means (16a) is formed on the second housing (16).
The first connecting means (18a) and the second connecting means
(16a) are detachably connected with each other. For example, when
the first connecting means (18a) and the second connecting means
(16a) are directly connected with each other, the first housing
(14) and the second housing (16) can be used as one operating
apparatus for a game machine. On the other hand, when the first
connecting means (18a) and the second connecting means (16a) are
indirectly connected by the connecting cable (40) and so on, the
first housing (14) and the second housing (16) can be used
separately as two operating apparatuses for a game machine (10a,
10b). Thus, the first housing and the second housing are detachably
connected, and this allows one operating apparatus for a game
machine to be used separately as two apparatuses. Accordingly, if
two players enjoy playing a game for example, each player's ability
to operate is not reduced.
In another illustrative embodiment, in a situation where the first
housing and the second housing are used separately as two operating
apparatuses for a game machine, a connecting cable for connecting
to the first connecting means is detachably connected to the second
connecting means. More specifically, in a situation where the first
housing (14) and the second housing (16) are used separately as two
operating apparatuses for a game machine, the connecting cable (40)
for connecting to the first connecting means (18a) is detachably
connected to the second connecting means (16a). That is, an
operation signal from the operation input portion (22) of the
second housing (22) is input to the game machine (100) through the
third housing (18). Accordingly, in a situation where the first
housing and the second housing are used separately from each other,
the first connecting means and the second connecting means can
detachably be connected with the cable.
In another illustrative embodiment, an operating apparatus for a
game machine, further comprising: a sound input portion provided on
an upper surface of the third housing for inputting a sound to be
generated by the operator, wherein an operation signal according to
a sound input by the sound input portion is output. More
specifically, the sound input portion (66) such as a microphone is
provided on the upper surface of the third housing (18) to output
the operation signal corresponding to the sound of clapping or a
voice by the operator. It is noted that the sound input portion
(66) does not need to be provided on the upper surface of the third
housing (18), and this may alternately be provided at an area where
it is easy for the operator to input his clapping and voice except
for where the operation input portions (20, 22) will be subjected
to the beating operation. Accordingly, an operation signal by the
beating operation as well as an operation signal by the sound such
as clapping can be output, and this extends the range of an
operation, capable of realizing more complex and interesting
operations.
An operating apparatus for a game machine according to another
illustrative embodiment is used by being connected to the game
machine. The operating apparatus for a game machine comprises a
housing; an operation input portion provided on one main surface of
the housing; a cable that is connected to an inside of the housing
at one end and has a connector to be connected to the game machine
at other end; a housing concave portion formed on the other main
surface of the housing, that houses the cable and the connector,
wherein the housing concave portion is provided with a plurality of
protrusions for pinching both sides of the cable at a position
where the cable is housed.
In this illustrative embodiment, similar to the above-described
illustrative embodiment, it is possible to house and hold the cable
and the connector with a simple structure which prevents the cable
from being disengaged, thereby reducing the size of the
apparatus.
An operating apparatus for a game machine according to the other
illustrative embodiment is used by being connected to the game
machine. The operating apparatus for a game machine, comprising: a
first housing provided with a first operation input portion on its
main surface; a second housing provided with a second operation
input portion on its main surface; a first connecting means formed
in the first housing; a second connecting means that is detachably
connected to the first connecting means and is formed on the second
housing, wherein when the first connecting means and the second
connecting means are directly connected with each other, the first
housing and the second housing can be utilized as one operating
apparatus for game machine, and when the first connecting means and
the second connecting means are indirectly connected, the first
housing and the second housing are used separately as two operating
apparatuses for a game machine.
In the other illustrative embodiment also, similarly to the
above-described illustrative embodiment, the first housing and the
second housing are detachably connected with each other. This
allows one operating apparatus for a game machine to be used
separately as two operating apparatuses for a game machine.
In another aspect of the illustrative embodiment, an operating
apparatus for a game machine, further comprising: a first cable
connected to an inside of the first housing at one end and having a
connector to be connected to the game machine at the other end; a
second cable detachably connected to the second connecting means at
one end and having a connector to be connected to the first
connecting means at other end, wherein, in a situation where the
first housing and the second housing are used separately as two
operating apparatuses for a game machine, the second cable is
detachably connected to the second connecting means.
In this illustrative embodiment also, similarly to the
above-described illustrative embodiment, in a situation where the
first housing and the second housing are used separately, the first
connecting means and the second connecting means can be detachably
connected by the cable.
An operating apparatus for a game machine according to another
illustrative embodiment is used by being connected to the game
machine. The operating apparatus for a game machine, comprising: a
housing; a beating operation input portion that is provided on one
main surface of the housing and elastically changed according to a
beating operation by an operator; a sound input portion provided on
an area different from an area provided with the beating operation
input portion of the housing and for inputting a sound generated by
the operation; and an operation signal transmitting means for
transmitting to the game machine at least any one beating operation
signal to be output in response to the beating operation at the
beating operation input portion and the sound generating operation
signal to be output in response to a sound input by the sound input
portion.
In this illustrative embodiment also, similarly to the
above-described illustrative embodiment, an operation signal by the
beating operation as well as a sound generation signal by the sound
such as clapping can be output, and this extends the range of an
operation, capable of realizing more complex and interesting
operations.
The above described features and other features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from
the following detailed description of the present invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing an operating apparatus for a
game machine of one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing a part of the operating
apparatus for a game machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a view when viewing from above a part of the operating
apparatus for a game machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a part of a cross-sectional view of a part of the
operating apparatus for a game machine shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a part of the cross-sectional view of the part of the
operating apparatus for a game machine shown in FIG. 3 and an
illustrative view showing one example of a case that an operation
by a player is present;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view when viewing from obliquely above a
rear surface of the operating apparatus for a game machine shown in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a rear surface view of the operating apparatus for a game
machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of a state in
which the operating apparatus for a game machine shown in FIG. 1 is
used;
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the
operating apparatus for a game machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing a format of an operation
signal to be input to the game machine from the operating apparatus
for the game machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing another example of the
operating apparatus for the game machine of the present
invention;
FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing one example of a state in
which the operating apparatus for a game machine shown in FIG. 11
is used;
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the
operating apparatus for a game machine shown in FIG. 11; and
FIG. 14 is an illustrative view showing the other example of the
operating apparatus for a game machine of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, an operating apparatus for a game machine 10
(hereinafter, to be referred as "operating apparatus") of one
embodiment of the present invention is in the form of percussion
musical instruments (conga or drum). The operating apparatus 10
includes a body 12, and the body 12 consists of a first housing 14
in the form of a barrel, a second housing 16 having approximately
the same size and the same shape as the first housing 14, and a
third housing 18 that couples the first housing 14 and the second
housing 16, is formed in the form of quadratic prism (a rectangular
parallelepiped), and is smaller than the first housing 14 and the
second housing 16.
Furthermore, on the upper surface (top surface) of the first
housing 14 and the second housing 16, covers 20 and 22 are
respectively provided. Areas covered by the covers 20 and 22 are
areas (operating areas) or operation input portions to be operated
(beaten) by a player or a user. That is, the operating apparatus 10
has two operation input portions on the upper surface of the first
housing 14 and on the upper surface of the second housing 16. For
example, the covers 20 and 22 are made of rubber, and elastically
changed in shape according to a beating operation by the player or
the user, and then restored to an original shape.
It is noted that although illustration is omitted in FIG. 1, on the
upper surface of the third housing 3, a microphone 62 (see FIG. 9)
or hole for collecting sounds into the microphone 62 is provided.
In a case of providing the hole for collecting sounds, the
microphone 62 is set inside of the third housing 18 or is set such
that its sound collecting portion is exposed from the hole. It is
noted that the microphone 62 is provided within the third housing
18 in this embodiment. However, it may be provided in the first
housing 14 or the second housing 16 except for within its operating
area to be operated by the user (operation input portion).
FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a part of the operating apparatus
10. That is, this is an exploded view as to the first housing 14,
and for the sake of simplicity, this is omitted as to the second
housing 16 and the third housing 18. It is noted that the second
housing 16 is approximately symmetrically formed with the first
housing 14.
Referring to FIG. 2, a part of the body 12 consists of a front
surface panel 120, a back surface panel 122, and a bottom surface
panel 124. The front surface panel 120 includes an upper surface
(top surface) panel 120a, and on the upper surface panel 120a, a
plurality of holes (five, in this embodiment) 120b are provided.
The front surface panel 120 and the back surface panel 122 are
structured so as to be secured by screws. Accordingly, a part of
the body 12 is formed by securing the front surface panel 120 and
the back surface panel 122 with the screws such that the bottom
surface panel 124 is supported by being sandwiched between the
front surface panel 120 and the back surface panel 122.
It is noted that the cover 120c is fit into the front surface panel
120 so as to cover the portion secured by the screws (see FIG.
1).
On the upper surface panel 120a, switch boards 24 and 26 having a
different size are provided, and these switch boards 24 and 26 are
fixedly arranged (housed) at predetermined positions of the upper
surface panel 120a. Although omitted in FIG. 2, each of the switch
boards 24 and 26 has two contacts (24a, 24a and 26a, 26a) (see FIG.
4).
On each of the switch boards 24 and 26, two rubber switches 28 are
arranged, and the respective rubber switches 28 are joined to edges
of depressing protrusions 32c and 34c described later. Although
omitted in FIG. 2, on the rear surface of the rubber switch 28, a
contact 28a is provided, and each rubber switch 28 is provided at a
position opposed to each of the contacts (24a, 24a, 26a, 26a) of
the switch boards 24 and 26 (see FIG. 4).
On the respective rubber switches 28, a lid 30 of the first housing
14 is provided, and this is attached on the front surface panel 120
so as to cover the upper surface panel 120a, the switch boards 24,
26, and the rubber switches 28. The lid 30 is provided with five
holes 30a that engaging protrusions 32b and 34b described later
penetrate, and four holes 30b that the rubber switches 28 arranged
at the positions opposed to the depressing protrusions 32c and 34c
penetrate.
On the lid 30, depressing members 32 and 34 having a different size
are provided, and over this, the cover 20 to be attached to the lid
30 is further provided. As shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 being a part
of a cross-sectional view IV-IV of FIG. 3, the depressing portion
32 has its main body 32a in the form of a crescent, and is provided
with three engaging protrusions 32b and two depressing protrusions
32c that downwardly protruded from the main body 34a. Furthermore,
the depressing member 34 has its main body 34a in the form of a
dichotomy, and is provided with three engaging protrusions 34b and
two depressing protrusions 34c that are downwardly protruded from
the main body 34a.
FIG. 3 is a view when viewing the first housing 14 and the cover 20
from directly above. The engaging protrusions 32b, the depressing
protrusions 32c, the engaging protrusions 34b and the depressing
protrusions 34c are arranged at positions shown in FIG. 3. As
understood from FIG. 3, the three depressing protrusions 32b are
provided at the edges (both right and left edges and lower edge) of
the main body 32a of the depressing member 32, and the two
depressing protrusions 32c are provided between the three engaging
protrusions 32b. Furthermore, the three engaging protrusions 34b
are provided at the edges (both right and left edges and upper
edge) of the main body 34a of the depressing member 34, and the two
depressing protrusions 34c are provided between the three engaging
protrusions 34b. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the engaging
protrusion 34b (this is true for the protrusion 32b) penetrates the
hole 30a on the lid 30 and the hole 120b on the upper surface panel
120a such that its engaging portion 340 provided at the tip end
penetrates the upper panel 120a (the inside of the first housing
14). It is noted that the lid 30 is attached to the upper surface
panel 120a, and whereby, the holes 120b are formed inside the holes
30a. Furthermore, the depressing protrusions 32c and the depressing
protrusions 34c are provided so as to depress the rubber switches
28 arranged within the holes 30b of the lid 30. That is, each of
the rubber switches 28 is housed within the first housing 14 such
that its surface (surface to be connected with the depressing
protrusion 32c and the depressing protrusion 34c) is exposed from
the hole (30b) of the first housing 14.
It is noted that the tip ends of the depressing protrusions 32c and
34c are arranged in such a manner as to be brought into contact
with the rubber switches 28 as shown in FIG. 4. Or, these may be
joined by a fitting structure or an adhesive or the both thereof.
Accordingly, the depressing members 32 and 34 are supported by the
rubber switches 28. Furthermore, in FIG. 4, the rubber switches 28
are illustrated so as to support with two legs of the depressing
member 34. However, this is made to simplify the contacts 26a and
28a, and the legs of the rubber switch 28 are actually formed like
an umbrella so as to surround the contact 26a and to cover with
it.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the engaging protrusion
34b (it is true for the engaging protrusion 32b) is provided with a
notch (slit) 342, and thus, each of the engaging protrusions 32b
and 34b is reduced in diameter when penetrating the hole 120b, and
then restored when having penetrated the hole 120b. Then, the
engaging portion 340 is engaged with the rear surface (inner wall
of the first housing 14) of the upper surface panel 120a. This
makes it possible to prevent the depressing members 32 and 34 from
being disengaged.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), when the player beats the
right side of the operating apparatus 10 (cover 20), the cover 20
is elastically changed, and then the right side of the depressing
member 34 (this is true for the depressing member 32) is apt to be
depressed. At this time, the engaging portion 340 of the engaging
protrusion 34b provided at the left side of the depressing member
34 is engaged with the rear surface of the upper surface panel
120a. This makes it possible to prevent the depressing member 34
from being upwardly actuated. Accordingly, the depressing member 34
at the right side is downwardly actuated, and the rubber switch 28
at the right side is depressed by the depressing member 34c so as
to be brought into contact with the switch board 26. That is, the
contact 26a and the contact 28a are brought into contact with each
other.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), when the player beats the left
side of the operating apparatus 10 (cover 20), the cover 20 is
elastically changed, and the left side of the depressing member 34
(this is true for the depressing member 32) is apt to be depressed.
At this time, the engaging portion 340 of the engaging protrusion
34b provided at the right side of the depressing member 34 is
engaged with the rear surface of the upper surface panel 120a. This
makes it possible to prevent the depressing member 34 from being
upwardly actuated. Accordingly, when the depressing member 34 at
the left side is downwardly actuated, the rubber switch 28 at the
left side is depressed by the depressing member 34c so as to bring
the contact 28a of the rubber switch 28 into contact with the
contact 26a of the switch board 26.
That is, even if the depressing member 34 (this is true for the
depressing member 32) is beaten at any position (area), at least
one engaging portion 340 of the engaging protrusion 34b (32b)
except for the engaging protrusion 34b provided at the beaten area
or in proximity thereto is engaged with the rear surface of the
upper surface panel 120a. Due to this, when a beating operation by
the player is present, the depressing member 34 (32) is depressed,
a contact 28a of any rubber switch 28 is sure to be brought into
contact with the contact 26a of the switch board 26 (contact 24a of
the switch board 24).
More specifically, when the left half area of the operating
apparatus 10 (cover 20) shown in FIG. 5 is beaten at any position,
the engaging portion 340 of the engaging protrusion 34b at the
right side of the depressing member 34 is engaged with the rear
surface of the upper surface panel 120a, the left side of the
depressing member 34 is downwardly actuated, the rubber switch 28
at the left side is depressed by the depressing member 34c, and the
contact 28a of the rubber switch 28 is brought into contact with
the contact 26a of the switch board 26 at the left side. On the
contrary thereto, when the right half area of the operating
apparatus 10 (cover 20) is beaten at any position, the engaging
portion 340 of the engaging protrusion 34b at the left side of the
depressing member 34 is engaged with the rear surface of the upper
surface panel 120a, the right side of the depressing member 34 is
downwardly actuated, the rubber switch 28 at the right side is
depressed by the depressing member 34c, and the contact 28a of the
rubber switch 28 is brought into contact with the contact 26a of
the switch board 26 at the right side. Furthermore, when the center
area of the operating apparatus 10 (cover 20) is beaten at any
position, the depressing member 34 is approximately uniformly
depressed at both the right and left sides, the rubber switches 28
at the right and the left sides are depressed by the depressing
members 34c, and thus, both of the contacts 28a of the rubber
switches 28 are brought into contact with the contacts 26a of the
switch boards 26.
Owing to the structure of this apparatus, even if the cover 20 and
the depressing member 34 (32) have a large area, and even if the
operating apparatus 10 (cover 20) is beaten at any place (area), by
merely preparing a relatively small number of rubber switches (for
example, one for each of the right and the left), any one of the
rubber switches is sure to be depressed. This makes it possible to
output the same operation signal.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rear surface of the operating
apparatus 10 when viewed from obliquely above. Referring to FIG. 6,
on the rear surface or the bottom surface panel 124 of the
operating apparatus 10, a housing concave portion 124a for housing
a connector 36 (plug) for connecting the operating apparatus 10 to
the game machine 100 and a part of a cable 38 (see FIG. 8) are
formed. On the housing concave portion 124a, a plurality of pinch
protrusions 124b (three, in this embodiment) are formed at a (part)
position where the cable 38 is housed. More specifically, as shown
in FIG. 7, the pinch protrusions 124b are arranged so as to be
shifted from each other on both sides of the housing concave
portion 124a. As shown in FIG. 1, the third housing 18 is formed so
as to be smaller than the first housing i4 and the second housing
16, and the difference in size produces a housing concave portion
(narrow part of the operating apparatus 10) 128 between the first
housing 14 and the second housing 16.
It is noted that one end of the cable 38 is connected to the plug
36, and the other end of the cable 38 is connected to a mounting
board housed within the housing 18.
As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in the first embodiment, the housing
concave portion 124a is provided at the bottom surface panels 124
of both housings 14, 16. Alternatively, the housing concave portion
124a is provided at the bottom surface panel 124 of the only one
housing.
Accordingly, when the operating apparatus 10 is not used, the cable
38 is wrapped around the narrow part 128, that is, the third
housing 18, and a part of the cable 38 and the plug 36 can be
housed within the housing concave portion 124a as shown in FIG. 7.
At this time, a part of the cable 38 is pinched by the pinch
protrusions 124b as if it snakes, so that a force to restore to an
original shape of the cable 38 works to hold the cable 38 in place.
This makes it possible to prevent the part of the cable 38 and the
plug 36 from being disengaged from the housing concave portion
124a. That is, it is possible to house the cable with a simple
structure. Thus, the plug 36 and the cable 38 are housed and held
within the housing concave portions 124a and 128, so that the plug
36 and the cable 38 do not protrude from the operating apparatus
10, capable of preventing the operating apparatus 10 from being
bulky. That is, it is possible to efficiently house the plug and
the cable. The housing concave portions 124a are provided on the
rear surface of the operating apparatus 10, that is, the bottom
surface of the first housing 14 and the second body 16, so that
when using the operating apparatus 10 to be described later, the
housing concave portion 124a is inconspicuous.
On the contrary thereto, when using the operating apparatus 10, as
shown in FIG. 8, the plug 36 and a part of the cable 38 are
disengaged from the housing concave portion 124a, the other part of
the cable 38 is untied from the narrow part 128, and then, the plug
36 is inserted (connected) into a connector 102 provided at the
front surface panel of the game machine 100. Although not
illustrated, the game machine 100 is connected to a television
receiver, and so on by an AV cable, and therefore, a game screen to
be executed by the game machine 100 is displayed on the television
receiver, and music, a sound (sound effect) to be played in the
game is output from the speaker.
For example, the player beats the operating apparatus 10, that is,
the first operation input portion and the second operating portion
according to the guide of the game screen and the music (sound) of
the game, and generates a sound such as clapping, a voice, or the
like toward the microphone 62, and so forth. Then, an operation
signal in response to the beating operation and a sound generation
operation signal in response to the generation of the sound are
output to the game machine 100. This makes it possible to select
the kind of the game, to start the game, to play the game, and so
forth.
FIG. 9 shows an electric configuration of the operating apparatus
10. Referring to FIG. 9, the operating apparatus 10 includes a
controller IC 50, and the controller IC 50 is connected with a
first button 52, a second button 54, a third button 56, and a
fourth button 58. The end of the cable 38 described above, to which
the plug 36 is not connected, is connected to the controller IC 50.
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8, by inserting the plug 36 into the
connector 102 of the game machine 100, the controller IC 50 is
electrically connected to the game machine 100 as shown in FIG. 9.
Furthermore, the controller IC 50 is connected with the microphone
62 via an operational amplifier 60.
The first button 52 and the second button 54 are provided within
the first housing 14, and in this embodiment, the first button 52
consists of the switch board 24 and two rubber switches 28 provided
on the switch board 24 (being opposed thereto). The second button
54 consists of the switch board 26 and two rubber switches 28
provided to be opposed to the switch board 26.
The third button 56 and the fourth button 58 are provided within
the second housing 16. In this embodiment, the third button 56 is
constructed similarly to the first button 52, and the fourth button
58 is constructed similarly to the second button 54.
Thus, in this operating apparatus 10, the player can perform
various operations by using any one of the first button 52--the
fourth button 58 or a combination of two or more thereof. In
response to the beating operation by the player, a state signal
indicative of an on/off state of the first button 52--the fourth
button 54 is input to the control IC 50. Then, an operation signal
corresponding to the beating operation is output to the game
machine 100 from the controller IC 50.
In the operating apparatus 10, when the player generates a sound by
clapping or a voice, the sound is input to the microphone 62,
amplified in the operation amplifier 60, and then, input to the
controller IC 50. Thus, the operation signal according to the
generation of the sound is output from the controller IC 50 to the
game machine 100.
Thus, the player can not only perform a beating operation but also
perform a sound operation (play a sound) such as clapping, a voice,
and so on during the beating operation, and this extends the range
of an operation, capable of realizing more complex and interesting
operations.
It is noted that the controller IC 50 is mounted on the mounting
board, and the mounting board is, as described above, attached to
the third housing 18. The switch boards 24 and 26 attached to each
of the first housing 14 and the second housing 16 are subjected to
a wire connection with the mounting board, and whereby, the
respective buttons 52-58 are electronically connected to the
controller IC 50.
FIG. 10 shows one example of a format of the operation signal
output from the controller IC 50 to the game machine 100. It is
noted that the operation signal has a format corresponding to a
standard controller of the game machine 100 ("GAME CUBE" (trade
name) that is manufactured/marketed by the assignee of the present
invention in this embodiment). Although not illustrated, the
controller is provided with two analog joysticks (control stick and
C stick), a cross key, an A button, a B button, an X button, a Y
button, a Z button, an L trigger button, an R trigger button, and a
START/PAUSE button, and so on.
As understood from FIG. 10, the operation signal consists of 8
bytes. As to the first byte (1st byte), data of "0", "0", "ORG_CH",
"START", "Y", "X", "B", and written into bit 7 (b7) to bit 0 (b0),
respectively. Bit 7 and bit 6 are fixed values of "0." The data
indicative of an on/off state of the setting mode "ORG_CH" is
written into bit 5. In this embodiment, if the setting mode
"ORG_CH" is turned on, "1" is written, and if the setting mode
"ORG_CH" is turned off, "0" is written. Herein, the "ORG_CH" is a
variable for setting a mode (setting mode) determining whether or
not the standard position (original point (neutral position) of the
joystick) is reset. Data indicative of an on/off state of the START
button, the Y button, the X button, the B button, and the A button
are respectively written into bit 4-bit 0. In this embodiment, if
the button is turned on, "1" is written into the relevant bit, and
if the button is turned off, "0" is written into the relevant
bit.
As to the second byte (2nd byte), data of "FIN", "L", "R", "Z",
"UP", "DOWN", "RIGHT", and "LEFT" are written into bit 7 (b7)-bit 0
(b0), respectively. Data indicative of an on/off state of a mode
"FIN" for identifying a controller is written into bit 7. In this
embodiment, when a standard controller is present, "1" indicative
of the on state is written, and when the operating apparatus 10
(percussion musical instruments shape controller) is present, "0"
indicative of the off state is written. Into bit 6-bit 0, data
indicative of an on/off state of the L trigger button, the R
trigger button, the Z button, the UP button, the DOWN button, the
RIGHT button, and the LEFT button are respectively written. The
data values to be written to the respective bits are the same as in
the above-described Y button, and so on.
It is noted that the UP button, the DOWN button, the RIGHT button,
and the LEFT button correspond to the respective buttons of the
cross key.
Into the third byte (3rd byte), data indicative of an amount of
inclination of the control stick toward an X direction is written
by binary data utilizing 8 bits in all. Accordingly, the
inclination toward the X direction is represented by numerals in
the "00000000" ("0" in a decimal numeral)--"11111111" ("255")
range. For example, if the control stick is inclined to the left,
it is close to "0", and if the control stick is inclined to the
right, it is close to "255".
It is noted that in a default setting, the neutral position is
represented by "128 (0100000)", and if the value is smaller than
this, it is shown that the control stick is inclined toward the
left direction, and if the value is greater than this, it is shown
that the control stick is inclined toward the right direction. The
amount of the inclination can be detected by a difference between
the obtained data value and the data value at the neutral
position.
Into the fourth byte (4th byte), data indicative of an amount of
inclination of the control stick toward a Y direction is written by
binary data utilizing 8 bits in all. Accordingly, the inclination
toward the Y direction is also represented by numerals in the
"00000000" ("0" in a decimal numeral) to "11111111" ("255") range.
For example, if the control stick is downwardly inclined, it is
close to "0", and if the control stick is upwardly inclined, it is
close to "255".
It is noted that in a default setting, the neutral position is
represented by "128 (0100000)", and if the value is smaller than
this, it is shown that the control stick is downwardly inclined,
and if the value is greater than this, it is shown that the control
stick is upwardly inclined. The amount of the inclination can be
detected by a difference between the obtained data value and the
data value at the neutral position.
Into the fifth byte (5th byte), data indicative of an amount of
inclination of the C stick toward an X direction is written by
binary data utilizing 8 bits in all. Furthermore, into the sixth
byte (6th byte), data indicative of an amount of inclination of the
C stick toward a Y direction is written by binary data utilizing 8
bits in all. These data value is decided similarly to the
above-described control stick.
Into the seventh byte (7th byte), data indicative of an amount of
the depression of the L trigger button is written by binary data
utilizing 8 bits in all. The data value when the L trigger button
is not depressed is "00000000", and the data value is rendered
greater in accordance with the amount of the depression. That is,
the data value when depressed at the maximum renders
"11111111".
Into the eighth byte (8th byte), data indicative of an amount of
the depression of the R trigger button is written by binary data
utilizing 8 bits in all. The data value is decided similarly to the
above-described L trigger button.
The format of the operation signal is shown like this; the
operating apparatus 10 is not provided with the joystick, the Y
button, the X button, the B button, and the A button, but it
alternately outputs to the game machine 100 an operation signal
indicative of an on/off state of the first button 52--the fourth
button 58, an operation signal in response to a generation of the
sound to the microphone 62, and a controller identifying mode, and
therefore, the data of the first byte to the third byte are
utilized, for example. More specifically, with respect to the first
byte, data indicative of an on/off state of the first button 52 is
written to bit 3, data indicative of an on/off state of the second
button 54 is written to bit 2, data indicative of an on/off state
of the third button 56 is written to bit 1, and data indicative of
an on/off state of the fourth button 58 is written to bit 0.
Furthermore, data "0" for identifying the operating apparatus 10
(percussion musical instruments shape controller) is written to bit
7 of the second byte. In addition, data indicative of the presence
or absence of a sound input to the microphone 62 is written to bit
0 of the second byte. It is noted that bit 0 needs not be used, and
any one of bit 6-bit 0 is appropriate to be used. This is because
the operating apparatus 10 is not provided with the L trigger
button, the R trigger button, the Z button, and the cross key. Or,
in place of outputting the presence or absence of the sound input,
data of loudness of the sound (volume) may be output to the game
machine 100. In this case, the data value ("00000000"-"11111111")
corresponding to the volume is written to the third byte.
It is noted that although not illustrated, the operating apparatus
10 is provided with a START/PAUSE button, and therefore, the data
indicative of an on/off state is written to bit 4 of the first
byte.
In the first embodiment, the controller IC 50 used for the standard
controller is adopted, and therefore, by changing the on/off state
of the controller identifying mode "FIN", it becomes possible to
determine whether the controller is the standard controller or the
operating apparatus 10 (percussion musical instruments shape
controller) in the game machine 100, and this allows the format
described by use of FIG. 10 to be used for the operating apparatus
10. Alternatively, it is enough to transmit the data of the first
byte and the third byte as described above in this embodiment, and
therefore, it may be possible that another controller IC is
developed in addition to the controller IC 50 so as to be
adopted.
Furthermore, a circuit for setting a threshold (sensitivity) of a
loudness of a sound to be input to the microphone 62 is provided to
the controller IC 50, and when the loudness of the sound to be
input is equal to or more than a threshold value, the input sound
data is rendered valid, and when it is equal to or less than the
threshold value, the input sound data is rendered invalid. This
makes it possible to effectively prevent a noise about the
environment, and the like from being input erroneously.
Furthermore, a sensitivity adjustment knob constructed of a
variable resistor, and so on is provided to the operating apparatus
10, and by operating the sensitivity adjustment knob, the threshold
value can be set and changed. This makes it possible to change the
threshold value according to the loudness of the noise about the
environment to set a proper threshold value, and to effectively
prevent the noise about the environment from being input
erroneously.
According to the first embodiment, the engaging protrusion is
provided to the depressing member, and therefore, at a time of
performing a beating operation, the rubber switch is sure to be
brought into contact with the switch board without the depressing
member being upwardly actuated. That is, it is possible to
assuredly perform the input operation. Furthermore, the depressing
member is supported by only the rubber switches, allowing the user
to operate the operating apparatus with a relatively small
load.
In addition, within the housing concave portion provided on the
rear surface of the operating apparatus, the pinch protrusions are
arranged so as to be shifted from each other on both side surfaces
for housing the cable, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the
plug and the cable housed from being disengaged from the operating
apparatus.
Furthermore, the cable is wrapped around the narrow part of the
operating apparatus, and the plug and a part of the cable are
housed within the housing concave portion provided on the rear
surface of the operating apparatus, capable of preventing the
operating apparatus from being bulky. That is, it is easily
portable.
In addition, the player can input not only an operation signal in
response to the beating operation but also an operation signal in
response to a sound, and this extends the range of an operation,
capable of realizing more complex and interesting operations.
The operating apparatus 10 of the second embodiment shown in FIG.
11(A) and FIG. 11(B) is the same as the above-described first
embodiment except that the second housing 16 is detachably
constructed, and therefore, a duplicate description is omitted.
Referring with FIG. 11(A) and FIG. 11(B), in the operating
apparatus 10 of the second embodiment, the first housing 14 and the
third housing 18 are integrally constructed, and the second housing
16 is structured so it can be detached from the third housing
18.
It is noted that FIG. 11(A) is a perspective view showing the
operating apparatus 10 when viewing the upper surface of the
operating apparatus 10 from obliquely above, and FIG. 11(B) is a
perspective view showing the operating apparatus 10 when viewing
the rear surface of the operating apparatus from obliquely
above.
Describing the structure in detail, as shown in FIG. 11(A), on a
side surface of the third housing 18, a connector 18a is provided,
and as shown in FIG. 11(B), on a side surface of the second housing
16, a connector 16a to be fitted with the connector 18a is
provided.
For example, when the connector 16a of one operating apparatus and
the connector 18a of the other operating apparatus are fitted and
directly connected with each other, both apparatuses can be used as
one operating apparatus similarly to the operating apparatus 10
shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 11(A) and FIG. 11(B), when the
connector 16a of one operating apparatus and the connector 18a of
the other operating apparatus are detached from each other, both
apparatuses can be used as two operating apparatuses (for the sake
of clear understanding, the operating apparatus 10a and the
operating apparatus 10b). It is noted that in the case of
separately utilizing the operating apparatus 10a and the operating
apparatus 10b, by indirectly connecting the operating apparatus 10a
and the operating apparatus 10b, an operation signal of the
operating apparatus 10b, that is, a state signal indicative of an
on/off state of the third button 56 and the fourth button 58 needs
to be input to the controller I/C 50.
Accordingly, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a
connecting cable 40 having connectors that are detachably connected
to the respective connectors 16a and 18a is utilized. It is noted
that although a description of a detailed shape of the connectors
provided to the connecting cable 40 is omitted, it is appropriate
that connectors having the same shape as the connectors 16a and 18a
are used. Thus, by indirectly connecting the second housing 16 and
the third housing 18 with use of the connecting cable 40, the third
button 56 and the fourth button 58 are electrically connected to
the controller IC 50.
It is noted that although in the second embodiment, the second
housing 16 and the third housing 18 are electrically connected by
use of the cable, there is no need to be restricted thereto. That
is, another method such as connecting via an electromagnetic wave
(for example, electric wave or infrared rays) in a wireless manner
may be applied.
Although not illustrated, the structure, and etc. of the depressing
members 32 and 34, and the like that is provided between the upper
surface panel 120a and the cover 20 (22) are the same as that in
the first embodiment. Accordingly, it is possible for the player to
assuredly input a beating operation with a relatively small
load.
Similarly, although not illustrated, in a case where the operating
apparatus 10 is not used, the second housing 16 and the third
housing 18 are directly connected, the cable 38 is wrapped around
the narrow part 128, that is, the third housing 18 formed between
the first housing 14 and the second housing 16, and the plug 36 and
a part of the cable 38 are housed within the housing concave
portion 124a. This allows the operating apparatus 10 to be easily
portable without being bulky as in the first embodiment.
In the second embodiment, an electric configuration of the
operating apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 13. Referring to FIG. 13,
the connector 18a is provided to the operating apparatus 10a, and
the connector 16a is provided to the operating apparatus 10b as
described above. The connector 16a and the connector 18a are
directly connected with each other. Or, the connector 16a and the
connector 18a are connected with each other by the connecting cable
40. These configurations make it possible to electrically connect
the third button 56 and the fourth button 58 to the controller IC
50.
It is noted that the structure and the operation except for the
above-description is the same as that in the first embodiment, and
therefore, a duplicate description is omitted.
According to the second embodiment, the operating apparatus can be
divided so as to be used as two operating apparatuses, and
therefore, even if two players enjoy playing a game, each player's
ability to operate is not reduced.
It is noted that in the second embodiment, by connecting the second
housing 16 and the third housing 18 with the cable, a beating
operation signal from the operating apparatus 10b can be input.
However, if a controller IC independent of the controller IC 50 is
prepared to the second housing 16, the operating apparatus 10b can
be directly connected to the game machine 100. In this case, by
electrically or mechanically determining whether the operating
apparatus is used as one operating apparatus or two operating
apparatuses, any one of the controller ICs has to be
activated/disabled, resulting in difficulty of control.
Furthermore, another problem is that the operating apparatus is
expensive.
In addition, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment,
only a case in which the operating apparatus 10 is used by being
connected to the game machine 100 is described. However, if the
operating apparatus 10 is integrally provided with a storage medium
(ROM) for storing a game program and so on, a memory, and a CPU for
processing a program of a game program and so on, it is possible to
enjoy playing a game by directly connecting the operating apparatus
10 to a television receiver.
In this case, as show in FIG. 14, for example, an AV cable 42
extends from the operating apparatus 10 (third housing 18), and
plugs 42a that are provided at the tip end thereof and relate to an
image and a sound are connected to AV terminals 202 of a television
receiver 200.
Although not illustrated, the shape of the housing concave portion
124 is also changed so as to house the AV cable 42. That is, the AV
cable 42 is provided with one plug for image and two plugs for
sound, and therefore, a housing concave portion for separately
housing the respective plugs and a housing concave portion for
separately housing the respective connecting cables connected with
the respective plugs need to be formed. In addition, each of the
housing portions for cable is provided with the pinch protrusions
described above on both side surfaces thereof.
It is noted that as shown in the second embodiment, it is needless
to say that this is applied to a case in which the second housing
16 is structured so as to be detachable from the third housing 18.
In this case, for example, it is appropriate that the
above-described ROM, memory, CPU and so on may be provided within
the first housing 14.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated
in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of
illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of
limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
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